Photo by Thor Schroeder on Unsplash
income + jobs
Ok, we know that this is stressful to think about. It's perfectly natural to be upset at how COVID-19 has disrupted your livelihood. Many of us are in the same boat; the good news is that there are support resources out there. Let's go over these and get you some help.
FEDERAL INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAMS
The Government of Canada has available several programs to assist Canadians with lost income during COVID-19. These supports now cover workers who are not eligible for Employment Insurance.
SO, IF I CAN GET BOTH, WHICH ONE SHOULD I APPLY FOR ??
If you are already receiving EI regular and sickness benefits, you can continue to do so and not apply for CERB.
If your EI benefits end before Oct 3, 2020, you can apply for CERB. If you are on CERB and are still unemployed after 4 months, you can receive EI, if eligible.
If you have already applied for EI and are waiting to be processed, you do not need to re-apply.
CANADA EMERGENCY WAGE SUBSIDY
All eligible employers who see a drop of revenue of at least 30%, the federal government will provide a subsidy, between March 15 and June 6, 2020.
​
In effect, employers may be eligible for up to the full amount of the first 75% of salaries/wages of existing employees (based on pre-crisis amounts).
​
Employers will also be eligible for a subsidy up to 75% of salaries and wages paid to new employees.
CHANGES TO THE CANADA SUMMER JOBS PROGRAM
The Government of Canada is making temporary changes to the Canada Summer Jobs program to support businesses in continuing to hire youth workers.
​
Changes include:
-
Increase to the wage subsidy so that employers can receive up to 100% of the minimum hourly wage of each employee;
-
Extension of the end date of employment to Feb 28, 2021;
-
Allowing employers to adapt activities to support essential services;
-
Allowing employers to hire staff on a part-time basis
GOODS + SERVICE (GST) TAX CREDIT INCREASE
The government is providing a one-time boost to the GST credit of up to $600 per eligible couple, and $400 for eligible individuals in May.
​
This benefit is paid automatically based your filed income tax return. There is no separate application unless you are a new resident.
CANADA CHILD BENEFIT INCREASE
The government is providing a one-time boost to the Canada Child Benefit of $300 per child in May.
​
No action is needed if you are already registered for the CCB. If you are not currently registered, please apply.
PROVINCIAL INCOME SUPPORT PROGRAMS
The Government of BC has made available a support program for BC residents to assist with financial difficulties caused by the COVID-19 outbreak. They have also made a one-time increase to the Climate Action Tax Credit.
CLIMATE ACTION
TAX CREDIT
A one-time enhancement to the climate action tax credit will be paid in July 2020 for moderate to low-income families. Adults will receive up to $218 (from $43.50), and children will receive $64 (from $12.75).You do not need to apply, your eligibility will be determined in your income tax return for 2019.
OTHER SUPPORT
FILING TAXES
The Government of Canada has announced that the tax filing deadline for individuals has now been deferred to June 1, 2020.
The deadline to pay any balance due on your tax return has now been extended to September 1, 2020. You will not be assessed any penalties or interest before September 1.